What Happens If I Fail the N-400 Civics Test? Can I Retake It?
TL;DR: If you fail the English or civics portion of your naturalization test at your first N-400 interview, USCIS gives you one more chance. You'll be retested only on the portion you failed, 60 to 90 days after your initial interview. If you fail again at the second attempt, USCIS will deny your N-400 application.
Claim
Failing the civics test once is not the end of the naturalization process — but failing the retest is, at least for that application, and you would need to file a new N-400 to try again.
Evidence
USCIS's official naturalization interview and test guidance states that applicants are given two attempts to pass the English and civics tests (and to correctly answer questions about their application). If you fail any portion at your initial interview, USCIS retests you on that portion — and only that portion — between 60 and 90 days from the date of the initial interview, per 8 CFR 312.5(a) and 8 CFR 335.3(b). As of the current civics test (based on the 2020 test framework with 2025 administration updates), applicants must answer 12 of 20 questions correctly to pass; failing 9 of the first 20 questions asked results in an immediate fail on that attempt.
Comparison Table: First Interview vs Retest
| First interview | Retest (if needed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Scheduled after N-400 is filed and biometrics complete | 60-90 days after the first interview |
| What's tested | English (reading/writing/speaking) and civics | Only the portion(s) you failed |
| Passing score (civics) | 12 of 20 questions correct | Same standard |
| If you fail again | You get one retest | USCIS denies the N-400 |
| Can you file a new N-400 after denial? | N/A | Yes, but you start the process (and fees) over |
Step-by-Step: If You Don't Pass the First Time
- Confirm exactly which portion you failed — English (reading, writing, or speaking) or civics — from your interview results notice.
- USCIS automatically schedules a second interview 60-90 days later; you do not need to file anything new to trigger the retest.
- Study specifically for the failed portion using the official USCIS study materials for the current civics test version.
- Attend the retest — only the failed component is re-administered, not the entire interview.
- If you fail the retest, your N-400 will be denied, and you would need to file a new Form N-400 with a new fee to try again when ready.
FAQ
How many total chances do I get to pass the civics test? Two: your initial interview attempt and one retest 60-90 days later.
Do I retake the whole interview or just the test I failed? Just the portion(s) you failed — if you passed English but failed civics, only civics is retested.
Can I request extra time between the two attempts? No, the retest is scheduled by USCIS within the fixed 60-90 day window set by regulation; individual scheduling is handled by your local field office.
By Pinal Dave
Last updated: 2026-08-06